Glassware cleansing machine



July 17, 1962 G. B. FOX ETAL 3,044,092

GLASSWARE CLEANSING MACHINE Filed Nov. 6, 1958 5 Sheets-Sheet 1INVENTORS GERALD B. Fox,

BY DONALD E.VANDEVEER a HENRY E.WELCH ATTORNEYS July 17, 1962 -G. B. FOXETAL GLASSWARE! CLEANSING MACHINE 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Nov. 6, 1958INVENTORS GERALD B. FOX DONALD ENANDEVEER a BY HENRY E. WELCH ATTORNEYSJuly 17, 1962 G. B. FOX ETAL 3,044,092

GLASSWARE CLEANSING MACHINE Filed Nov. 6, 1958 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 47 55INVENTORS 53 55' GERALD 8. FOX

48 DONALD E.VANDE\IEER a BY HENRY E. WELCH ATTORNEYS July 17, 1962 G. B.FOX ETAL 3,044,092

GLASSWARE CLEANSING MACHINE Filed Nov. 6, 1958 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 ,,--4,aI52, FIG-1O M!!! 4, 42

INVENTORS GERALD B. FOX DONALD ENANDEvkER & BY HENRY E. WELCH ATTORNEYSJuly 17, 1962 G. B. FOX ETAL GLASSWARE CLEANSING MACHINE 5 Sheets-Sheet5 Filed Nov. 6, 1958 FIG-14 FIG-13 .a w 8 m g T H N mmwm m WFME W am ,6EE wDY ALR M GMW Y B 3,044,092 Patented July 17, 1962 3,044,992GLASSWARE CLEANSING MACHINE Gerald B. Fox and Donaid E. Vandeveer, Troy,Ohio,

and Henry E. Weich, Minneapolis, Minn, assignors to The HobartManufacturing Company, Troy, Ohio, a

corporation of Ghio Filed Nov. 6, 1958, Ser. No. 772,254 9 Claims.((11.15-75) This invention relates to glassware cleansing machinessuitable for cleansing tumblers and the like.

The purpose of the machine is to remove soil, residue material,cosmetic, etc. from the tumbler or other receptacle and also to sanitizethe tumbler surface, rendering it substantially free of bacterialcontamination. These two results are achieved by the same cleansingaction which repeats itself during each cycle of operation of themachine. Each item of glassware is thus ensured of an effectivecleansing operation to make it lit for re-use.

It has heretofore been common practice in connection with washingmachines for glasses and the like to supply washing fluid at arelatively high temperature, frequently of the order of Nil-180 F. Theheat of the washing fluid at this temperature is such as to contributematerially to the sterilizing effect and even though germicidalmaterials were added to the washing solution, the temperature of thesolution was maintained at this relatively high value in order to obtainthe necessary cleansing effect.

In accordance with the present invention a glassware washing machine isprovided particularly adapted for the washing of glasses, tumblers, andthe like, utilizing a supply of unheated water supplied from the watertap and a measured amount of germicidal material, this combination beinghighly effective at the relatively low temperature. The machine isdesigned to accomplish an effective washing and scrubbing action of theinner and outer surface of the tumbler while at the same timeintroducing a flow of germicidal'material and unheated water directlyonto the surface to be cleaned, assuring a full and complete coverage ofthe entire surface of the article being washed.

Further, where it has been common in the pastto have a washing cycle inwhich all or a part of the washing liquid is recirculated, the presentinvention provides for a direct continuous flow of unheated fresh waterfrom a tap or supply line into which a predetermined quantity of thecleansing agent is introduced. An arrangement such as this has severaladvantages. That is, it makes it possible to obtain adequately cleanglasses without the need for a supply of hot water. The machine ismerely connected to an ordinary cold water supply line and there is aconsequent reduction in the expense for installation and operation. Itlikewise eliminates the need for a collecting tank or reservoir as wellas a water pump for recirculating wash water from such reservoir. Themachine thus is smaller in size, lighter in weight, and more economicalin manufacture.

Still further, the machine is operation utilizes a continuous how offresh water which serves at one time during the cleansing cycle as acarrier for the germicidal agent mixed therewith, and thereafter, theflow of fresh water provides a rinsing action at the glassware surface,removing the germicidal agent.

During the cleansing cycle, it is possible to vary the point at whichthe cleansing agent is included within the stream of fresh water,thereby providing if desired, a prewash in which a major part of theforeign material, soil, etc. is first removed. The prewash is thenfollowed by the cleansing and rinsing action.

Since all residues do not respond in the same manner to a givencleansing cycle, various changes may be made in the duration ofprewashing, cleansing, rinsing, so as to provide the most effectivesteps of removal of the foreign material. Even for the most adherenttypev foreign materials such as those with a high fatty content, aneffective cleansing cycle can be obtained with the machine of thepresent invention using water at ordinary tap temperatures.

The machine in operation, simultaneously scrubs both the inner and outertumbler surfaces while at the same time providing a continuous flow ofwater and cleansing agent against said inner and outer tumbler surfaces.

A further object of the invention is to provide a scrubbing action onthe items of glassware in such manner that there is only negligibleunbalance of forces on the glass wherein no apparent twisting effect isdeveloped on the glass making it quite effortless to hold the item ofglassware in washing position. This object is accomplished by means of acentral brush rotatable about the longitudinal axis'thereof and a seriesof outer brushes also rotatable about the longitudinal axis of saidinner brush but in the opposite direction of rotation. During thedescribed counterrot-ation, a .flow of water and lcleansing agent isprovided through said inner brush as well as through an outer sprayring. The means for achieving counterrotation of the brushes is a novelarrangement of coaxial drive shafts which are turned oppositely foractuation of the respective inner and outer brushes. Drive means areassociated with one end of each of said drive shafts to receive motivepower from a source such as an electric motor or the like.

It is a feature of the machine construction that the series of outerbrushes are mounted for radial movement toward and away from the centralbrush to accommodate different diameter size glassware. The outerbrushes are further mounted to rock slightly about their centers inorder that the brushes can conform with the outer surface of theglassware thus making it possible to cleanse outer brushes into forcibleengagement with the outer glassware surface.

It is an object of the invention to accomplish a complete washing andrinsing cycle of the glassware in a short period of time thus-conservingwater and cleansing agent which are the washing materials, and alsomaking it possible to handle greater quantities of glassware. The timeperiod of thewashing and rinsing cycle can be reduced because of theefficiency of cleansing operation, which takes place over a definitetime period so that each item of glassware will receive a standardcleansing treatment which enables the glass to meet rigorous hygienicrequirements. A timer mechanism is provided for this purpose and theoperator is not required to guess what is the proper time to allot eachitem of glassware. machine operation begins automatically by insertingan item of glassware in washing position, it runs fora prescribed periodand then shuts itself off, all automatically.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a glass washingmachine operation which provides at each cleansing cycle, apredetermined quantity of cleansing agent having both germicidal anddetergent properties, the structure providing this being an axial flowpositive displacement pump which delivers said cleansing agent duringany selected portion of the cleansing cycle.

It is of further importance to the invention that the outer brushes arereversible end-for-end to provide greater The provided so that themachine will not be operatedwhen there is either insuiiicient waterpressure or insufficient cleansing agent. A further safety feature ofthe machine is the arrangement for disposing of the Waste water andcleansing agent after it is expended, with no possibility of siphoningthe wastage back to the potable water supply. Also an object of theinvention is the fluid distribution arrangement wherein a part of thefluid flow is directed through the drive shafts into theinterior of theglassware and another part of the fluid flow is directed through acircular arrangement of conduits and is directed onto the exterior ofthe glassware.

-Other objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent fromthe following description, the accompanying drawings and the appendedclaims.

. In the drawings FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the glassware cleansingmachine; a

FIGJZ is a sectional view of the machine taken through the centerthereof;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view of the drive mechanism forrotatingthe scrubbing members, one hal-fof.

the drive mechanism being broken away to illustrate details of thefriction drive and fluid distribution;

FIGS. 4 and 5 are sectional views taken on the respectively indicatedsection lines in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6is a sectional view of an upper part of the the section line beingtaken online 6-6 The central brush consists of a corrosion resistantpost 37 having a number of bristles 38 extending radially outward fromthe longitudinal brush axis which is the axis of rotation of the brush36. The bristles 38 are formed in three rows along the length of thepost 37, as indicated in FIGS. and 11. Since the tips of the bristles 38are most effective in cleansing the interior surfaces of 7 the glassware35 the bristles arecut at an angle (FIGS.

inner and ou'te'rbrush members before and after insertion of the tumblerin washing position;

' FIG. 12 is an isometric View of the conduit system for distributingthe wash water and cleansing agent, the fluid 7 metering pump used inmeasuring out liquid cleansing agent; 7

FIG. 14 is an enlarged detail sectional view of the pump valves showingtheir relative position during upstroke of the pump, effected when themachine is initially actuated; V

FIG. 15 shows the check valve located at the discharge end of the pumpillustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13; and

FIG; 16 is a Wiring diagram used in operating the various controlelements for starting the machine'and operating its various partsincluding an arrangement of safety features preventingoperation of themachine under certain conditions. v

Referring to FIG. 1, the glassware cleansing machine is indicatedgenerally by reference numeral 29. The machine includes a cabinet 21'for housing a major portion of the operating mechanism. The front face22. of the cabinet is provided with an oval shaped catch basin 23 and acylindrical casing 24 which defines a washing chamber 25 (FIG. 2), Theend of the casing 24 is sealed off by a rubber gasket 28 provided with afunnel shaped guard 30.

The glassware is inserted through the opening 31in the guard and ispassed into the washing chamber 25. Assuming that the glassware is :atumbler, it is inverted at the time it is put into the washing chamber25, the

. position of the tumbler being shown in FIG. 12, reference numeral 35.The inverted tumbler 35 fits over a central 2, 10) sothat they extendoutwardly with a tapered radial dimension. As shown in FIG. 11 this hasthe effect of providing contact of at least a portion of the bristlesalong the tips thereof regardless of variations in dimension of thetumbler. At the top of the central brush 36 (FIG. 2) the bristles 38extend in such a direction that they will contact the inside bottom ofthe glass to perform a scrubbing action at this surf-ace. Thus a glasswhich is inverted and fitted over the inner brush will have all of theinner surfaces thereof cont acted by the bristles 38. V V

A number of outer brushes 40 are spaced circumferential-ly within themachine (FIGS. 10, 11) to scrub the outer surface of the tumbler 35,Each outer brush 41 comprises a corrosion resistant backing 41constructed from a suitable plastic material such as nylon or the like.Bristles 42 are spaced along the length of the backing 41 and are fixedat the ends thereof in the backing 41. The bristles are relativelypliable so that they can bend at the tips thereof in order toaccommodate various size tumblers. Backing 41 has at its midsection aslotted boss 43 which can be press tit-ted onto a cross bar 45 of anadapter 46. The. adapter 46 in turn, is mounted by trunnions 47 in theslotted arms 48 of a rotatable spider designated generally by referencenumeral 49.

Threepairs of arms 43 are provided for as many adapters 46, eachcarrying an outer brush 40. The slotted boss 43 allows'the outer brush40 to rock back and forth on the cross bar 45, this rocking movementbeing limited in one direction by a stop 59 and in the other directionby a stop 52. The adapter 46 rocks back and forth on trunnion 47 whichfits within the slots 53 of arms 48; The described rocking movement ofthe outer brushes 4G enables usage of the machine with various size andshaped tumblers. The adapters 46 can retract radially for larger sizetumblers and the brushes will rock back and forth 'to insure completecontact along the enthe outer surface of the glass.

End 55 of each adapter is enlarged and forms a counterweight withrespect to the outer brush carried oppositely to trunnion 47 which actsas a fulcrum. The ends 55 tend to be thrown radially outward bycentrifugal force when the spider 49 is rotated, thus pivoting theadapters 46 on trunnions 47 and bringing the outer brushes 4!) radiallyinward against the surface of the tumbler 35.

Each of the outer brushes can be pulled off its associated cross bar 45and reversed end-for-end in order to equalize wear of the bristles whichtend to become worn at a faster rate along the leading edges 57 thereof.

When the brushes are reversed, the zone of greater wear is transferredfrom one side of the brush 40 to the other, so that longer usage is hadfrom the brush before it is discarded from normal attrition.

The outer brushes 4%) are rotated by the spider 49 which is fastenedthrough a central bushing 58 with a bayonet lock 60 (FIGS. 3, 8) to end61 of drive shaft 62 (FIG. 3), the drive shaft 62 being rotated by abevel driving member 63 having a spline connection 65 with the end 66 ofshaft 62 (FIG. 5). The bayonet lock 60.

end 73 of drive shaft 70 is a bevel drive member 74 similar inconstruction to the bevel drive member 63 and likewise a splineconnection 75 therebetween. The two bevel drive members 63 and 74 canmove relatively to the coaxial shafts to provide for variations inlocation of the power shaft 76 having a bevel drive 77 frictionallyengaging members 63 and 74. A spring 78 is provided to urge the drivemember 77 into engagement with bevel drive members 63 and 74, the forceof engagement between drive member 77 and the two drive members 63, 74-is equalized by cups 8% connected'to each member 63, 74 and havingbearing balls 82 therebetween. Power shaft 76 is turned by a motor 85mounted on an inclined axis as indicated in FIG. 2.

To cleanse the tumblers, a fresh water supply is provided through theinlet conduit 87 (FIG. 12) at tap temperature and no eifort is made toelevate the temperature thereof. The incoming water passes through ascreen 89 which strains out any foreign material in the incoming water.

An inlet valve 90 turns the supply of water off and on. The inlet valve90 admits water at constant flow rate regardless of line pressure thisbeing accomplished by suitable flow control orifice within the valve.The water supply is fed upwardly in a conduit 92 where it passes throughan elevated vacuum breaker 95, the purpose of which is to preventreverse flow of water back through the supply conduits 92 and 87 andinto the potable water supply. Once the water supply passes the vacuumbreaker it is fed downwardly through conduit 56 to a mixing chamber 98where it meets with a slug of fluid cleansing agent which is broughtfrom storage chamber or tank 191 (FIG. 2) through line 162 by pump 194.The combination of cleansing agent and water then leaves the mixingchamber 93 through a length of corrosion resistant conduit 1415 whichconnects with a T 106 where the flow is divided between conduit 107 andconduit 108. The conduit 167 extends upwardly and is then bent into acircular or ring outline 109 terminating at closed end 110. A series ofperforations 111 project the water and cleansing agent inwardly in aspray which is directed against the external surface of the tumbler.

The flow in conduit 168 is fed to an annular chamber 112 (FIGS. 3 and 4)where it passes through openings 113 into a second annular chamber 114,the chamber 114 being defined as the spacing provided between collar 116and shaft 62 (FIG. 4). The fluid in chamber 114 passes radially inwardthrough conduit sections 115 and into a passage way 117 where it passesupwardly through the center of the shaft 70. The conduit sections 115also serve as retaining pins for the collar 116 which forms the innersurface of chamber 114. Instead of the four conduit sections 115 shownin FIG. 4, it is also possible to use a less number as for example twoin order to simplify the construction and provide greater economy inmanufacturing. The fluid then passes through the hollowed center portion118 of the post 37 of the center brush 36 and is ultimately dischargedthrough outlet openings 120 (FIG. 2) at the upper end of the post 37.The discharge through openings 120 subjects the interior surface of thetumbler to a spray of water and cleansing agent to provide a washing mdrinsing action at this interior surface.

Suitable seal members 125, 126, 127 and 128 are provided to confineliquid within chambers 112, 114 and 117.

To transfer the cleansing agent from storage 100 (FIG. 2) to mixingchamber 98, the pump 104 is solenoid actuated to pull the piston 130(FIGS. 13, 14) upwardly causing a positive fluid displacement by axialflow through the pump. As the piston 130 moves upwardly, one-way valve131 is raised from seat 132 against the resistance of spring 133allowing liquid cleansing agent to flow in the direction indicated bythe arrows. The ball check valve 135 remains seated by the spring 136.Within the reduced diameter portion 138 of the piston there is anannular spacing 139 which, being filled with fluid, is discharged $1through the outlet passage 140 against-the resistance of spring loadedball check valve 141. Thus, during the upstroke of the piston a quantityof liquid cleansing valve 135, and liquid cleansing agent is forcedthrough interior chamber 144 and radial passages 14-5 to annular spacing139. Since the cross sectional area of chamber 143 is greater than thecross sectional area of spacing 139, more fluid is displaced on thedownstroke of the piston then was pumped during the upstroke of thepiston. This additional volume is forced through outlet as provided bythe action of valves 131, 141. The slug of fluid which is pumped duringdownstroke of the piston 130 remains in the vicinity of chamber 98 sincewater flow is stopped at the time of the piston downstroke. The slug isretained in the chamber 98 and is carried out by the flowing water alongwith the slug of fluid displaced during'upstroke of I the piston 1311 inthe next cleansing operation. The pump 111- 1 is thus double acting inthat an axial flow is provided I during operation of the pump in eitherdirection. The pump is self-priming and is particularly adapted todeliver precise quantities of cleansing agent. The quantity of liquiddelivered for each reciprocation of the pump is measured by the lengthof stroke of piston 13%. This stroke length is regulated by means of astem 148 threads edly received in an end plate 151 of casing 149 of thepump to define the lowermost position of the piston 130. Since theupstroke of piston 131) is controlled by solenoid operation, theregulation of pumping volume is determined by movement of the stem 148so as to control movement of the piston 13% in the opposite or downwarddirection. Once an adjustment is made the stem is locked by nut 150.Accuracy of volumetric delivery by the pump can be adjusted andmaintained to within extremely close limits.

Placement of a tumbler or other item of glassware 35 in washing positionis used to start operation of the machine. When an inverted tumbler 35is fitted over the inner brush 36 the tumbler is moved downwardly untilthe base contacts push rod 152 (FIGS. 2, 3 and 6) fitted within opening153 of the inner brush 36. Grooves 154 along the sides of opening 153permit movement of water and cleansing agent upwardly for dischargethrough outlet opening 121). There is a spacing between push rod 152 andthe opening 153 of the inner brush 36 which permits the passage of fluidto flow upward and out the tip of the post 37 so that the bottom of thetumbler (or other item of glassware) is wetted by the cleansing andrinsing fluid. The clearance need not be great, only suflicient to allowthe fluid to pass between push rod 152 and opening 153 and out of theopening in the end of post 37.

The push rod 152 is moved downwardly against the resistance of spring166 acting against washer 162 received within a recess in rod 163. Theend 165 of rod 163 is socketed to receive the push rod 152 therein.Tapered end 167 of rod 163 is moved downwardly by insertion of thetumbler, thereby contacting cam follower 168 (FIG. 2) to close normallyopen switch 170 (FIG. 16). Closing of switch 171? will start operationof the machine assuming there is suflicient water pressure andsuflicient cleansing agent in storage.

The machine is inoperative when there is insufficient water pressure. Aswitch 172 (FIG. 16) responsive to pressure in the water supply line isconnected to line 88 (FIG. 12) which leads from the inlet water supplyline 87. The switch 172 is arranged to break the circuit from conductor175 to conductor 176 when the water pressure drops below a predeterminedvalue.

To safeguard against operation of the machine where there isinsuflicient cleansing agent, a float 177 is provided which isresponsive to the level of the cleansing opening 22!} (FIGS. 2; 12).

agent in storage'tank ltlili The float tilt) is arranged to drop withthe falling level of detergent to open switch 178 breaking the circuitin conductor 176 to 179, thus preventing operation ofthe machine underthese conditions. A-light signal 180 is lit by completing a circuit fromconductor 1'76-to conductor 131, signaling the need for replenishing thecleansing agent.

When theswitch 17i} is'closedby insertion of a tumbler in washingposition the timer 132 is started; Assuming that cleansing agent is tobe used' at the start of the washing. cycle (no prewashing'phase),thcswitch 183 is closed and switch 184 opened so that current is made toflow through conductors 186, l87 by operation of thetimer 182 and thencethrough conductors 189, 1 91 and 193 to energize solenoids 194' to openinlet'valve 9t and'energize solenoid 196to operate pump 1% by liftingpiston 130. Conductor 193 completes the circuit to 'motor 85 whichhas .acapacitor 1%, for starting of the motor 85. Conductors 206, 201 andZGIfrom the sole no'ids 196,,194and motor 85 are connected withconductor '295 to complete the circuit to the master switch 206. H v

For washing seme'kinds of residue from glassware such as'milk or otherfatty content materials, it is some: times advisable to provide 'aprewash cycle which will flush the residue from the tumbler, thisprewash being followed by a slug of cleansing agent and thereafter agent pump solenoid 1 96. To provide a full measure of cleansing'agent,'-the switch 18-; is immediately opened thereafter, and solenoid196 is deenergized, causing downstroke of the piston 135 to add afurther increment of cleansing agent. This sequence is in contrast withthe previous arrangement, in which cleansing agent is provided only atthe very beginning of the cycle and the total cleansing cycle ofapproximately 4 to 6 seconds per item of glassware. Assuming the waterflow rate of two gallons per minute there is appronimately 15 to 22 ozs.of water used per glass per washing cycle. In conjunction with thiswater, an amount of cleansing agent of the order of ml. is suitable. Aniodophor cleansing agent having both germicidal and detergent propertieshas been found very effective for purposes of the present invention. Asatisfactory material is that put out for example by EconomiesLaboratories, Inc., under the trade Mikro-Kleen GW or a product ofDubois Co. Inc. under the trade name IOdEiI. This material can bereplaced if desired by other suitable detergentgermicidal cleansingagents.

Assuming that the glassware is to be cleansed without a prewash, thetimer is set to operate the pump 1% immediately upon starting operationof the machine. An item of glassware, such as tumbler is insertedthrough opening 31, and being inverted, it is fitted over the innerbrush 36. The base of the tumbler pushes against the rod 152 bringingend 167 into contact with cam wheelfollower 16?, closing switch 179.Assuming that there is sufiicient water pressure and cleansing agent,the closing of switch 174) will initiate operation of the machine.

The timer is started to run and will continue to run for a six'secondperiod during which time current will flow from conductors 186, 187, 193to energize motor 85. Drive member 77 frictionally engages the taperedoppositely rotatable drive members 63 and 74 which counterrotate thecoaxial 'drive shafts 62 and 70. The drive shafts in turn counterrotatebrush 36 and the spider 49 carrying outer brushes 40. Thecounterrotating brushes are caused to turn at approximately 500 rpm. Asthe outer brushes rotate, the ends 55 of their associated adapters 46move radially outward under centrifugal force to bring the brushes intoengagement with the outer surface of the tumbler 35. The outer brushescan rock back and forth at the center thereof so 'as to accommodatediiferent tumbler shapes and sizes.

Since the inner and outer brushes are counterrotating,

. the wiping action of the bristles on the tumbler at the timer providesfor energization of the pump actuator soleno'i'd'196 at the beginningand at the end of the wash- 7 ing cycles. 7

During the cleansing operation'the liquid cleansing agent and water isdischarged within the chamber 25 against the glassware and flowsdownwardly against the walls of casing 24 where it is collected at thelowermost part of the catch basin 23 and then runs out discharge Thedischarge opening 220 discharges the waste fluid through a T to adischarge line 221 having a hose 222 connected therewith. The flexiblelength of hose 222 then leads to a waste sink. In some installations thedischarge line-221 can be permanently connected to a discharge facility.If the discharge line 221 becomes clogged and drainage becomesinadequate,

waste fluid will eventually reach a spill line indicated by the dashedliquid level 225 whereupon it'spills out over the lip of the catchbasin. Above this level 225 is a short length of conduit 226 which candrain substantially all of the liquid in the fluid line beyond vacuumbreaker 95,

thus preventing any siphonage of fluid back to the potable water. supplyeven in the event of malfunctioning of vacuum breaker 95. p

. Since conduit 226 is at all times above uppermost level to whichwastage fluid can rise, there is no possibility inner end and outersurfaces is in opposition and the forces are substantially balanced sothat very little effort is required by the operator to hold the tumblerin place while it is being brushed.

During the'cleansing cycle the timer also completes a circuit throughconductors 186, 187, 191, to energize solenoids 194 operating valve 90in the water inlet line 87 so that water is supplied continuously duringthe cycle to the machine. It has been found from control test proceduresthat the water need not be heated in order to produce an eifectivesanitizing of the glass. Although hot water can be used, it has becomeunnecessary to rely on heat as a cleansing factor in the invention. Whenthe water enters the machine, it passes through conduit 92, the vacuumbreaker 95, conduit 96 to the mixing chamber 98 Where there is awaitingthe cleansing agent metered from the pump 104. Approximately one half ofthe meas ure of cleansing agent is obtained from the downstroke of thepiston at the last part of the preceding wash cycle and the other halfcomes from the upstroke of'the piston which takes place at the veryfirst part of each wash cycle.

va. quantity of cleansing agent, which, adds to the increment from thepreceding cycle already contained in the mixing chamber 98.

The two fluids, water, and cleansing agent pass through conduit 105 tothe T 166 where the flow is divided between conduits 107 and 108, theflow in conduit 107 being sprayed over the external surface of thetumbler and the flow in 108 beingpassed upwardly through the coaxialdrive shafts and center brush post for discharge through openings 12%onto the interior of the tumbler. Fluid is also caused to spray out ofthe end of post 37 because of the clearance between the push rod 152 andopening 153. The glass receives the mixture of cleansing agent and waterfor about the first second of the washing cycle. A part of the flow inconduit 108 is also directed to the short length conduit 226 (FIGS. 2,4, 12) where it is directed out the opening 230 forming a spray which isdirected in the direction of the lip of the tumbler.

' For the next five seconds of the washing cycle the liquid sprayed onthe tumbler consists entirely of the cold water which rinses thecleansing agent from the tumbler surfaces and also facilitates removalof residue, foreign material, etc. from the tumbler surface. The innerand outer brushes continuously counterrotate to provide scrubbing actionthroughout the six second glass cleansing operation.

While the operation is described as lasting six seconds, this timeperiod can be lengthened or shortened as desired, by suitable adjustmentof the timer 182. Also, the quantity of cleansing agent can be varied tosuit requirements, this adjustment being as previously described.

Once the machine is set for a given time period of cleansing operation,the machine will cycle at this period for each item of glassware andthen the machine will shut itself off by breaking contactof conductor186 with conductor 187 (see FIG. 16) through the timer 182 at which timethe motor 85 is shut ofi, the water valve 90 is closed to shut oft" thesupply of water to the level and the solenoid 196 of the cleansing agentpump is deenergized causing downstroke thereof.

The timer resets itself so that the machine is then ready for the nextsucceeding cleansing cycle.

The machine is constructed so that it will not pass contamination fromone item of glassware to the next. That is, the brushes themselves areself-cleansing so that if they should pick up any bacterialcontamination from one item it will not be passed onto the next becauseeach cycle ensures cleansing action of the brushes as well as theglassware.

The over-all cleansing efficiency of the machine is accomplished byreason of the fluid distribution system which exposes substantially allof the glassware surface and brushes to the cleansing agent materialwhich has both detergent and germicidal properties.

The cleansing cycle is more efiective for removing residue material suchas the residue from milk shakes and the like if there is used a prewash,followed by an injection of detergent and then a rinse. In this case,the six-second cleansing cycle consists of a two-second spray of water,then a one-second detergent-water spray, then three seconds of clearwater rinse. Especially for removing milk residue from glasses thisprewash step is desirable. The variation is provided by changes in thetimer 182 in which switch 183 is opened, switch 184 is closed. The timer182. then acts to close switch 210 to energize the cleansing agent pumpsolenoid 196 to operate the pump 104 after a set duration of thecleansing cycle.

Because the machine is used to sanitize the glassware used in publicinstitutions, it must be subject to periodic checkings to determinewhether it is in satisfactory working order. It forms an important partof the invention that the machine can be readily inspected and checkedto see if in proper working order. For example, the line 102 from thecleansing agent tank 109 to the pump 104 contains aflexible length ofplastic conduit which can be connected with a delivery pipettecontaining liquid cleansing agent. The machine is then operated todetermine whether or not the operation of pump 104 will 1 remove theprescribed quantity of fluid fromthe pipette.

As an additional safety factor, the machine will not operate underinadequate water pressure by reason of operation of sensing apparatus172; neither will the machine operate if there is an inadequate supplyof cleansing agent in the tank by operation of the float valve 177 andswitch 178.

Thewashing cycle is sufficiently rapid so that large quantities ofglassware can be treated. Therefore the machine is especially adaptedfor restaurants, hospitals, public institutions, etc. where glasswaremust be cleaned rapidly and efliciently. Because each item of glasswareis subjected tothe same cycle, the cleansing action provides a uniformprotective treatment .to all items of glassware without the independentjudgment of the operator. 7

While the form of machine herein described constitutes a preferredembodiment of the invention, it is to be understood that this inventionis not limited tothis precise form of machine and that changes may bemade therein without departing from the scope of the invention which isdefined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

l. A cleansing machine adapted for eflective operation with unheatedwater to cleanse and sterilize individual pieces of glassware and thelike, comprising counter rotatable brush means concentrically arrangedto receive a piece of glassware therebetween and to provide simultaneousscrubbing actions in opposite directions at the interior and exteriorsurface of said glassware, motor means to rotate said brush means,conduit and spray means connected to transmit unheated water from asupply line onto the glassware while it is being scrubbed, starterswitch means, means responsiveto movement of a piece of glassware intoscrubbing relation with said brushes to close said switch means andinitiate operation of said machine, electrically operated valve meanscontrolling water flow through said conduit means to provide a washingand rinsing cycle, a timer mechanism controlling the duration ofoperation of said motor means and operation of said valve means toprovide a continuous flow of water through said conduit means duringsaid washing and rinsing cycle in responseto actuation of said switchmeans, a storage chamber for liquid germicidal agent, and a positivedisplacement pump also controlled by. said timer mechanism and connectedfor metering quantities of germicidal agent from said chamber into theflow of water conducted onto the glassware during the washing portion ofeach operating cycle.

2. In a glassware cleansing machine, counterrotatable brush meansconcentrically arranged to provide simultaneous scrubbing actions at theinterior and exterior surface of individual pieces of glassware, motormeans to rotate said brush means, conduit means to transmit fluid forwashing and rinsing said glassware while it is being scrubbed, starterswitch means, means responsive to movement of said glassware intoscrubbing relation with said brushes to operate said switch means andinitiate operation of said machine, a timer mechanism actuated by saidstarter switch means for controlling the duration of operation of saidmotor mean-s, a normally closed electrically operated valve meansoperable by said timer to allow continuous fluid flow through saidconduit means during a washing and rinsing cycle, a positivedisplacement pump actuated by said timer and operative to meterquantities of germicidal agent into said fluid tobe carried by saidfluid over said glassware, and circuit means predetermining the point insaid cycle at which said pump becomes operative.

3. In a glassware cleansing machine suitable for cleansing tumblers andthe like, two oppositely rotatable coaxial drive shafts each having abeveled drive member at one end thereof, said drive members beingadjacent arranged facing each other, means connecting each said sprayedliquid.

ii drive member to its respective drive shafts while pro yiding formovement'of the drive members along the lengths of said drive shafts, amotor for driving said ble brush means operated by said respective drivemembers, the bristles-of said brush means being proportioned to receivean inverted tumbler therebetween for cleansing simultaneously and inopposite directions the interior and exterior surfaces thereof.

4. In a machine for cleansing individual pieces of V glassware, a fluiddistribution system for conducting ermicidal a ent and rinse water tosaid assware, said fluid distribution system comprising a first conduithaving a circular perforated portion forldisch-arging fluid onto theexterior of the glassware, oppositely rotatable coaxial drive shaftmeans each having brushing elements associated therewith forsimultaneously cleansing the interior and exterior of said glassware, asecond conduit constructed interiorly of said drive shaft means for con-'drive shafts, beveled drive means connected to said ducting fluid tothe interior of the glassware, electrically operated valve means forconnecting a water pressure source to said conduits, mechanicallyopera-ted switch means for initiating operation of said machine inresponse to placement of a piece of glassware between said brushingelements, a positive displacementpump means for measuring out apredeterminedquantity of germicidal and detergent material, said pumpbeing connected to inject such material into the water supply admittedthrough said valve means, a timer mechanism actuated initially by saidswitch means and regulating the duration of cleansingoperation, saidtimer operating both said valve means and said pump means and includingelectrical control means for determining the stage at which said pump isoperated. H 1 i 5. A machine for rapidly cleansing and sanitizingindividual pieces of glassware, tumblers, and the like, comprising wallmeans defining a washing chamber, hollow coaxial drive shafts extendinginto said chamber through said wall means, concentric inner and outercleaning brushes mounted on said shafts and defining therebetween awashing'station for a single piece of glassware, a spray member adjacentsaid outer brush and having means to direct a spray of cleansing liquidover the outer surface of a piece at said washing station, a centralspray device within said inner brush and arranged to direct cleansingliquid over the interior of the piece, conduit means extending from saidspray member and said central spray device and adapted for connection to'a supply source of water, a control valve in said conduit means andselectively operable to determine the length of time of spraying eachpiece, drive means operable to rotate said shafts during opening of saidvalve, a storage tank for germicidal cleansing agent mounted adjacentsaid chamber, a selectively controlled metering pump connected towithdraw a predetermined amount of cleansing agent from said tank and toinject said amount into said conduit means for direct supply with waterto said spray member and said central spray device at each actuation ofsaid pump, timer means operating said pump during a portion of thelength of time said valve is opened and prior to closing of said valveto distribute the germicidal agent over the piece before spraying ofwater is comdrainconnection from said chamber for disposing of all 6. Amachine for rapidly cleansingand sanitizing individual pieces ofglassware, tumblers, and'the 1ike,'comprising wall means defining awashing chamber, hollow coaxial drive shafts extending into said chamberthrough said wall means, concentric innerand ,ou ter'cleaning brushesmounted on said shafts and defining therebetwe en a washing station fora single piece of'glassware, motor means driving said shafts in oppositedirections causing opposed action of said'inner and outer brushes on atumbler inserted in said washing station, a spray ring surcontrol valvein said conduit means and selectively opcrable to determine the lengthoftime of spraying each piece, a storage tank for germicidal cleansingagent mounted adjacent said chamber, a selectively controlled meteringpump connected to withdraw a predetermined amount of cleansing agentfrom said tank and to inject said amount into said conduit means fordirect supply with water to said spray ring and said central spraydevice at each actuation of said pump, timer means controlling theduration of opening of said valve and running of said motor means andoperating said pump during a portion of the length of time said valve isopened substantially prior to closing of said valve to distribute thegermicidal agent over the piece before spraying of water is completed,and a drain connection from said chamber for disposing of all sprayedliquid.

7. A machine for rapidly cleansing and sanitizing individual pieces ofglassware, tumblers, and the like, comprising wall means defining awashing chamber, hollow coaxial drive shafts extending into said chamberthrough said wall means, concentric inner and outer cleaning brushesmounted on said shafts and defining therebetween a washing station for asingle pieceofglassware, a spray ring surrounding said outer brush andhaving means todirect a spray of cleansing liquid over the outer surfaceof a piece at said washing station, a central spray device within saidinner brush and arranged to direct cleansing liquid over the interior ofthe piece, conduit means extendingfrom said spray ring and said centralspray device and adapted for connection to a supply source of water, acontrol valve in said conduit means and selectively operable todetermine the length of time of spraying each piece, drive meansoperable to rotate said shafts during opening of said valve, a storagetank for germicidal a predetermined portion of the length of time saidvalve I is opened and prior to closing of said valve to distribute thegermicidal agent over the piece before spraying of water is completed, adrain connection from said chamber fortdisposing of all sprayed liquid,and a timer control connected to said valve, said drive means, and tosaid pump and operable to cause a spray of water mixed with cleansingagent followed by a rinsing spray of water alone while maintainingfunctioning of said drive means and opening of said valve for apredetermined time.

S. A machine as defined in claim 7 wherein said timer control isconstructed to open said valve prior to operating said pump providing apre-wash spray of water, and said timer control subsequently energizessaid pump to spray a mixture of water and cleansing agent followed by arinsing flow of water alone.

9. A machine for rapidly cleansing and sanitizing individual pieces ofglassware, tumblers, and the like, comprising wal-l means definingawashing chamber, hollow 13 coaxial drive shafts extending into saidchamber through said wall means, concentric inner and outer cleaningbrushes mounted on said shafts and defining therebetween' a washingstation for a single piece of glassware, a spray ring surrounding saidouter brush and having means to direct a spray of cleansing liquid overthe outer surface of a piece at said washing station, a central spraydevice within said inner brush and arranged to direct cleansing liquidover the interior of the piece, conduit means extending from said sprayring and said central spray device and adapted for connection to asupply source of water, a control valve in said conduit means andselectively operable to determine the length of time of spraying eachpiece, drive means operable to counter-rotate said shafts during openingof said valve, a storage tank for germicidal cleansing agent mountedadjacent said chamber, a selectively controlled metering pump connectedto withdraw a predetermined amount of cleansing agent from said tank andto inject said amount into said conduit means for direct supply withwater to said spray ring and said central spray device at each actuationof said pump, means operating said pump during a portion of the lengthof time said valve is opened and prior to closing of said valve todistribute the germicidal agent over the piece before spraying of wateris completed, a drain connection from said chamber for disposing of allsprayed liquid, a timer control connected to operate said drive meansand to open said lva lve for a predetermined cycle time, said controlalso having a connection to actuate said pump during an initial portionof said cycle time, and switch means responsive to positioning of apiece at said washing station to initiate operation of said timercontrol.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS1,921,681 Kopnicky Aug. 8, 1933 1,959,842 Schnee May 22, 1934 2,408,009Titus Sept. 24, 1946 2,504,945 Austin Apr. 18, 1950 2,561,631 Negri July24, 1951 2,563,528 Hamilton Aug. 7, 1951 2,631,313 Webber Mar. 17, 19532,636,199 Stanton Apr. 28, 1953 2,641,270 Allen June 9, 1953 2,706,486Loeb Apr. 19, 1955 2,718,481 Tuthill Sept. 20, 1955 2,908,598 Bowe et alOct. 13, 19.59 2,955,304 Noe Oct. 11, 1960 FOREIGN PATENTS 509,000Germany I Oct. 7, 1930 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OFCORRECTION Patent; No. 3 044 092 July l? 1962 Gerald B., Fox et a1,

It is hereby certified that error appears in the above numbered patentrequiring correction and that the said Letters Patent should read ascorrected below.

Column 10 line 62 for "operable" read opemable column l l line 11 for"'l 921 68l" read 1,921,680

Signed and sealed this 13th day of November 1962..

SEAL) meat:

RNEST W. SWIDER DAVID L. LADD nesting Officer Commissioner of Patents

